Find a school

This page gives you information about the types of schools in Somerset and things to think about when deciding which school you are going to apply for. Whether your child is starting school, moving to their next school or moving to another school during the school year, it is important that you know what your choices are.

School contact information is also provided in the Primary Admissions Guide and the Secondary Admissions Guide, which are in Information and resources.

To find a school and its catchment area on a map, please use the button below.

The directory allows you to search for a school by school name, treasurer number, DfE number or nearest town It covers primary, middle, secondary, upper and special schools, and pupil referral units (PRUs), and includes this information

address

phone and fax numbers

email address

website address

map link

age range

number on roll

information about the headteacher

The directory does not include further education colleges because they are independent corporations with no formal legal or financial links to us, But many of our services work closely with the post 16 provision to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people in Somerset.

We have a number of sixth form schools offering post-16 programmes. Details of these schools are available in the directory - search by entering the appropriate age range or by selecting 'upper' in the school type search menu.

Different types of school in Somerset

Infant schools - these are for children from 4 to 7, who then usually go on to a nearby junior school

First schools - these are for children from 4 to 9, who then usually go on to middle school

Primary schools - these are for children from 4 to 11, who then usually go on to a secondary school

Junior school - these are for children from 7 to 11, who then usually go on to a secondary school

Middle schools - these are for children from 9 to 13, who then go on to upper school

Upper schools - these are for children aged 13 to 18

Secondary schools - these are for children aged 11 to 16, or 18

There is one all-through Academy which is for children aged 4 to 16

Schools will have one of the following names, depending on who makes admission decisions.

Community - we are the admissions authority and make all admission decisions

Voluntary Controlled - we are the admissions authority and make all admission decisions

Voluntary Aided - the governing body of the school is the admissions authority and all decisions are made using their own published admission arrangements

Foundation - the governing body of the school is the admissions authority and all decisions are made using their own published admission arrangements

Academy - the academy trust is the admissions authority and all decisions are made using their own published admission arrangements

Free School - the academy trust is the admissions authority and all decisions are made using their own published admission arrangements

Independent Schools There are several non local authority maintained, fee paying schools in Somerset. You can get more information from the Independent Schools Council Information Service.

get a copy of the school's most recent OFSTED (The Office for Standards in Education) inspection report. These are available from the school, you can see them at your local library, or at http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

Somerset Skills and LearningSomerset Skills and Learning also offer a range of courses. All residents and businesses in Somerset and the surrounding areas can participate in these courses. You can find information about courses and course content on the Somerset Skills and Learning website.